Wed 08 Nov 2017

Easy-to-make flower press

During the warmer months of the year, fresh flowers are in abundance. Not only will you notice that there are plenty of flowers at your local florist, but your garden will also be bursting with colour. Fresh flowers, even when they remain attached to the plant, do not last longer than a few weeks. However, you can enjoy their beauty that much longer if you pick and press them while they are still fresh! You could use books to press flowers but, if you want a more effective method, why not make your own flower press? You need a few basic supplies and you’ll have the perfect press in no time!

You will need:

  • 2 pieces of wood (plywood will work well)

  • 10 to 15 pieces of cardboard (cut into squares)

  • 20 to 26 pieces of blotting paper

  • 4 wing nuts with washers

  • 4 screws (4 inch)

  • A drill

Method:

  • Cut your wood to size. The recommended size is 12” x 12” for your flower press.

  • Drill one hole in each corner and make sure that you use the same size drill bit as your screws.

  • Cut your pieces of cardboard to size. They will need to fit between the two pieces of wood.

  • Cut the blotting paper to the same size as your cardboard.

  • Arrange your cardboard and blotting paper betwee the pieces of wood. Place one piece of cardboard on the bottom piece of wood and then add two pieces of blotting paper. Add another piece of cardboard and two more of paper. Keep going until you finish off with one final piece of cardboard and then your top piece of wood.

  • Arrange your flowers between each of your pieces of blotting paper and make sure that each sheet is properly aligned.

  • Slide the screws into the holes to secure the two sheets of wood together. Use the washers and wing nuts to secure the screws in place. Slowly tighten each one and make sure that you tighten them evenly.

  • Leave your flowers to set for several days before checking on them. If they are not completely pressed, close the press again by tightening the wing nuts and wait for a few more days.

  • When your flowers are pressed, you can then remove them and use or store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Every time you pick flowers or receive a fresh flower delivery, you can put your flower press to work! You will need to replace the blotting paper from time to time in order to avoid colours from transferring. Always space your flowers or flower petals apart so that they do not overlap.